Archives and Research

Above Scotland Cities

The National Collection of Aerial Photography

Above Scotland Cities

The past two centuries have marked the age of the city in Scotland. Powered by industrial growth and driven by social change, much of the nation has been transformed from the rural to the urban. But the stories of our cities began long before this. From ancient origins to the construction of some of the world’s most fascinating architecture, through hardships of war, plague, fire and economic depression to innovative programmes of urban renewal, our cities bear the scars and boast the treasures of thousands of years of incredible progress and change. 

Across the central belt, vast, brash Glasgow meets classically austere Edinburgh. Dundee, a city built by an old Empire, now thrives on new technology. In the granite shadows of Aberdeen, a vibrant trader community has been changed forever by the arrival of the oil barons. And then there are Scotland’s newest cities: Stirling, once a centre of Royal power, and Inverness, the urban gateway to a wild Highland landscape. 

This lavishly illustrated volume looks at the character and development of each of Scotland’s six cities, drawing on stunning aerial photography from the 1920s to the present day to tell their compelling stories from a unique and illuminating perspective. And for the first time ever, in a special dedicated section, readers can view images of Scotland’s cities in 3D, seeing stunning details rise up out of the page, from the imposing rocky heights of the castles of Edinburgh and Stirling, to the ordered grid-iron canyons of central Glasgow.

‘Fascinating historical photography of our cities...not to be missed’
The Scotsman

  • Audiences:

    Members, Researchers, Visitors, Conservation and Heritage Enthusiasts
  • Date Published:

    22 September 2010
  • Publisher:

    The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
  • Publication Types:

    Book (General)
  • Author(s):

    James Crawford

    A writer and broadcaster, and for over ten years was Publisher at Historic Environment Scotland. He is the author of the Saltire-nominated Fallen Glory: The Lives and Deaths of the World’s Greatest Lost Buildings, and has written a number of books on aerial photography, including Above Scotland, Scotland’s Landscapes and Aerofilms: A History of Britain From Above. He is the writer and presenter of the landmark BBC documentary series Scotland from the Sky

    Allan Williams

    Allan is a trained town planner and manages the National Collection of Aerial Photography.

    Rebecca M Bailey

    Rebecca studied architectural history and is Head of Education and Outreach at Historic Environment Scotland.
  • Format(s):

    Hardback
    £25.00
    ISBN: 9781902419657
    224pp, portrait, 300mm x 245mm
    200 (full colour and 3D), 3D viewer included
    Purchase
  • Language:

    English
  • Subjects:

    Aerial Photography, Scotland

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